Diabetes is a chronic illness affecting how your body converts food into energy. It can cause serious health complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness.
But diabetes doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your dreams and passions. Some of the most talented and successful rappers in the industry have been living with diabetes for years.
Here are 15 rappers you probably didn’t know had diabetes and how they cope.
1. Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown
The legendary DJ, producer, and co-host of Yo! MTV Raps was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2007. He has since lost over 200 pounds and adopted a healthier lifestyle. He also founded The Doctor’s Advocate Foundation, a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers people with diabetes.
2. C-Knight
The member of the West Coast rap group, The Dove Shack, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 19 years old. He has been managing his condition with insulin injections and regular check-ups. He also advocates for diabetes awareness and prevention through his music and social media.
3. Lil Boosie
The Louisiana rapper, who has been making hits since the early 2000s, revealed that he had type 1 diabetes in 2014. He has been taking insulin shots and monitoring his blood sugar levels daily. He also credits his faith and family for helping him overcome the challenges of living with diabetes.
4. Malik Taylor, aka Phife Dawg
The late member of the influential hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 20 years old. He struggled with his condition for years, undergoing a kidney transplant in 2008 and dialysis treatments until he died in 2016. He was known for his witty and honest lyrics about his diabetes, such as “When’s the last time you heard a funky diabetic?” and “I’m on a mission to smash the stereotype.”
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5. Boosie Badazz
The former Lil Boosie changed his stage name to Boosie Badazz in 2014. He also announced that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer, which was linked to his type 1 diabetes. He underwent surgery to remove half of his kidney and has since recovered. He continues to make music and inspire his fans with his resilience and positivity.
6. Biz Markie
The iconic rapper, DJ, and beatboxer, best known for his hit “Just a Friend,” was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011. He changed his diet and exercise habits, losing over 140 pounds in the process. He also became a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, raising awareness and funds for the cause.
7. Robert Ross aka Black Robb
The former Bad Boy Records artist, who rose to fame with his song “Whoa!” in 2000, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2015. He suffered from several health issues, including a stroke, kidney failure, and lupus. He passed away in April 2021 at the age of 51. His fans and peers paid tribute to him as a talented and humble rapper.
8. Nia Kay
The young rapper from Chicago, who appeared on the reality show The Rap Game in 2016, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was nine years old. She has been using an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor to manage her condition. She also uses her platform to educate and motivate other kids with diabetes.
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9. Ghostface Killah
The member of the legendary rap group Wu-Tang Clan was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1996. He has been taking medication and following a strict diet to control his blood sugar levels. He also quit smoking and drinking alcohol, which he said improved his health and creativity.
10. Franko Fraize
The British rapper from Thetford, who has been making waves in the UK rap scene since 2010, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 11 years old. He has been using an insulin pump and a glucose sensor to manage his condition. He also supports various charities and campaigns related to diabetes.
11. Chedda Cheese
The Canadian rapper from Calgary, who is known for his humorous and catchy songs, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was seven years old. He has been using an insulin pump and a glucose meter to manage his condition. He also makes fun of his diabetes in some of his lyrics, such as “I got more sugar than a candy store.”
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12. Monteil Lee
The rapper from New Orleans, who goes by the stage name Moe Dope Boy or Moe Money, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2018. He has been taking medication and eating healthier to manage his condition. He also hopes to inspire others with diabetes to live their best lives.
13. Raekwon
The member of the Wu-Tang Clan and a solo artist, who is regarded as one of the pioneers of the mafioso rap subgenre, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2003. He has been following a low-carb diet and exercising regularly to check his blood sugar levels. He also encourages his fans to get tested and care for their health.
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14. Rev Run
The founding member of the iconic rap group Run-DMC and a reality TV star, who is also an ordained minister, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2005. He has been taking medication and making lifestyle changes to manage his condition. He also launched a campaign called Ask.Screen.Know aims to raise awareness and educate people about diabetes risk factors and screening options.
15. E-40
The rapper from Vallejo, California, who is known for his distinctive slang and innovative style, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2011. He has been taking medication and eating more fruits and vegetables to control his blood sugar levels. He also drinks less alcohol and more water, which he calls “the fountain of youth.”
Diabetes has affected many rappers from different backgrounds and genres. But it doesn’t stop them from making great music and living their dreams. They also use their influence and voice to spread awareness and inspire others who are dealing with diabetes. They are proof that diabetes is not a death sentence, but a challenge you overcome with proper care and support.
